To apply the lip base is very easy. It feels pleasant on my lips.I have tested it with a lipstick by Manhattan Cosmetics (perfect creamy & care, 57D). Without the lip base, the lipstick runs away, accents the dry patches and it creeps into every fold. The Result is with the base much more better.The long-lastingness without the base is about 1,5 hours. With the base it is one hour more. You can drink something, but you can not eat anything.